Safety enhancements in cars have helped motorists avoid serious injury but an advanced technology system may prevent crashes from occurring, a new report reveals.

The study was conducted by the Highway Loss Data Institute and looked at crash avoidance feature installed in Volvo XC60 midsize SUVs called City Safety. According to the HLDI, the feature helps prevent drivers from crashing into the rear of other cars while in a traffic jam.

When looking at how many auto insurance claims were filed by XC60 models in comparison to other luxury SUVs, Volvo filings were 27 percent less frequent.

"This is our first real-world look at an advanced crash avoidance technology, and the findings are encouraging," said Adrian Lund, president of the HLDI. "City Safety is helping XC60 drivers avoid the kinds of front-to-rear, low-speed crashes that frequently happen on congested roads."

Using an infrared laser, City Safety automatically brakes when it senses it's about to crash into the rear of another vehicle when operating at a low rate of speed, or between 2 and 19 miles per hour.